Oxford to pick new poetry professor by online vote

After the last election was overshadowed by a row over alleged sexual harassment and leaks to the press, Oxford University is to select its new professor of poetry by online vote.

Instead of the ballot being restricted to the few hundred people who turn up on the day, it will be open to all members of Oxford's convocation, including 300,000 plus graduates and staff. Observers say this will give candidates with a wider appeal a better chance.

The changes stem from the debacle in May when Ruth Padel was elected on a vote of about 500 people, but resigned after admitting passing information to journalists about allegations of sexual harassment made against her rival, Derek Walcott, the Nobel Laureate.